Carl Clayton Rinkenberger

Our beloved Carl Clayton Rinkenberger left this world peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Saturday August 26th, 2023 at the age of 66 after a month-long battle in the hospital with pneumonia.

Carl was born Sunday, March 10, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in New Baltimore, Michigan with his parents and three younger siblings. He attended the University of Michigan and then at the age of 23 on his way to transfer to a college in California he stopped in Albuquerque where he ended up staying the rest of his life. He met his wife and had two beautiful children that he loved more than anything in the world. He worked for the City of Albuquerque for over 30 years before retiring at the end of 2020.

Carl enjoyed the outdoors his whole life. Hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping were all amongst his favorite activities. He also enjoyed academics and learning new things, especially anything about science and space. He loved to use big words and pontificate to whomever would listen. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He passed his knowledge and wisdom down to so many people and impacted many people's lives.

Carl was preceded in death by his father Earl Rinkenberger. Carl left behind his wife, Judi Rinkenberger; daughters, Melissa Williams and Jennifer Rinkenberger; sons-in-law, Daniel Williams and Ashton Lane; granddaughter Mae Williams; mother, Kay Rinkenberger; brother, Kurt Rinkenberger; sisters Janet Rinkenberger and Impe Jo Rinkenberger as well as many many other friends and family that he loved and who loved him dearly.

Carl will be missed greatly by many but we are comforted knowing he is no longer struggling to breathe and he is now free to do everything he loved to do that he could no longer do anymore. He is looking down at all of us smiling and telling us not to be so lugubrious (sad).

A Celebration of Carl's Life is planned for Friday, September 1, 2023, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Lomas. Dress will be casual, as that is what Carl would have wanted. He loved his sweatpants and t-shirts. If possible, please wear the University of Michigan Wolverines colors - Blue and Maze (yellow) - in honor of Carl's alma mater and favorite college team (GO BLUE!) .
In lieu of flowers, please bring your favorite story of Carl to share!